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Why is my dog so aggressive2007-11-25 2:56:26

Whenever I try to take my golden retreiver for a walk, he barks loudly at other dogs, and pulls on the leash to try and get at them. Why is he so aggressive to dogs and nice to people? He's a retreiver! Isn't that against that breed's natural temperament?

Answers:

is your dog barking in an angry tone or just barking? because one of my dogs does that.. he'll bark loudly and pull hard but it is just because he wants to go play with the other dogs! so you could just have a playful dog which is normal for retrievers

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Has he always been around people, strangers, other dogs? Temperament is part genetic and part socialization AT AN EARLY AGE!

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I volunteer with two golden retriever rescues, here in FLA.

It sounds like he wasn't properly socialized as a pup. Be patient, work with a trainer, or go to training classes---that will help a lot! Good luck.

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Though good breeders try to breed for good temperment with both people and other animals, a few golden retrievers can be aggressive if they are not socialized with other dogs as puppies. Early socialization is very important for dogs.

If he is not neutered, please do so. This should reduce the amount of aggression he exhibits. Also, any golden that is aggressive in any way is not the best choice for breeding.

Keep in mind that human aggression and dog aggression are two very different behaviors. There are many dogs that are good with people but not good with other dogs. I would suggest working with a professional trainer for a few sessions to see if you can improve your dog's social skills. Then gradually introduce him to situations with other dogs on leash and see if you can improve the situation. But it may be that he will never be 100% reliable with other dogs.

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your dog has a dominence issue, he is a what I call Dominate Dog. If he/she spots another dog that is dominate of there space, they will conflict, (this is called Alpha Dog) Just kinda have to take them right home if they do that, and then try again, and hopefully they start to get the picture, and start rewarding them for being good. Your dog may not actually have a problem if there are two dogs in a family, and one is dominate, the other one apparently isnt your dog will get along with the one that probably isnt dominate, My girlfriends dog is the same way, its an easy fix, but takes some time.

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On Discover channel this past week they touch base on how dogs were brought in to humans homes thousands of years ago. For the most part dogs are wild animals by heredity / DNA - we selectively bred characteristics we wanted from guard dogs to retrievers to herders, Despite what is bred into a dogs heritage you still have ancient characteristics. I used to train dogs and to brake a habit one needs to be consistent and firm. I don't recommend you do the following but a dog would need an electric shock (like a taser) every time it shows aggression to another dog. Dogs do not understand English they do not associate a tap on their tail or a jerk on their collar with their aggressive tendency - they need a stronger association. - aggression must be meant with an equal amount of force. Most dogs are not fighters and will run from an aggressor - realize your dog is not bad - it just has natural instincts.

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No matter what the breed, any dog has the potential to have anti-social behavior. Have you taken him to meet other dogs and watch other dogs interact? Have you taken him to obedience training? Have you taken him to any dog parks? Have you taken him out to the beach or lake? Any of these places are great to practice his 'people skills'.